Aqaba, Sept. 15 (Petra) — Minister of Digital Economy and
Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat Tuesday reviewed projects and programs
at Aqaba Digital Hub, including data centers, telecommunications,
international connectivity, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and
advanced technologies.

During the visit, Smeirat and attendees reviewed the Klstrai hosted
AI computing platform, operated at Aqaba Digital Hub facilities,
which provides advanced computing infrastructure for hosting and
processing data and running AI applications within the Kingdom,
contributing to digital and data sovereignty.

Smeirat highlighted Jordan’s skilled workforce, strategic location,
and advanced telecommunications infrastructure as key assets for
strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional technology and
digital services hub. He stressed that partnerships with the private
sector are essential to developing the digital economy ecosystem.

He also underscored the importance of continued investment in
advanced digital infrastructure to enhance Jordan’s competitiveness
and attractiveness to technology investments, support the growth of
digital companies, and expand the Kingdom’s capacity to host advanced
services and technologies.

Smeirat described the AI computing platform as an important step in
supporting the government’s efforts to expand the adoption of AI
applications by providing advanced computing infrastructure within
the Kingdom for local data processing and application operations.

He noted that the platform will strengthen digital and data
sovereignty and enable government entities to develop and use AI
solutions in a secure and reliable digital environment.

Shadi Majali, Chair of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority’s
Board of Commissioners, said the platform’s presence within an
integrated digital infrastructure and its operation by Jordanian
expertise and talent would strengthen Jordan and Aqaba’s presence in
the field, support national capacity building in future technologies,
and reinforce Aqaba’s position as a regional technology and digital
services hub.

Aqaba Digital Hub Chair and CEO Eyad Abu Khorma briefed the minister
and attendees on the hub’s key projects and services, as well as its
future plans to develop its capabilities in digital infrastructure
and advanced technologies.

The minister and attendees toured several facilities, including the
data center and infrastructure dedicated to hosting and operating
digital systems, services, cloud solutions, and AI applications, as
well as the submarine cable landing station, Internet exchange
center, and cybersecurity system.

They were also briefed on the platform’s role in enhancing Jordan’s
readiness to adopt AI solutions in the public and private sectors and
providing local infrastructure to meet growing demand for AI-related
computing services, helping reduce reliance on infrastructure outside
the Kingdom.

Aqaba Digital Hub, inaugurated by Crown Prince Al Hussein bin
Abdullah II in October 2025, is the Kingdom’s first integrated
digital project. It includes a data center covering about 17,000
square meters with an operating capacity of up to 12 megawatts, in
addition to infrastructure for international connectivity, cloud
services, cybersecurity, AI, training, and capacity building.

//Petra// AJ